Businesses on Frodsham Street in Chester have issued a rallying call to customers and city visitors urging them not to avoid their stores whilst the street undergoes major redevelopment.

The popular route in to the city centre was closed to traffic in June for around six months in order to create a brand new attractive gateway into the city. Although pedestrian walkways remain open, building work is ongoing throughout the daytime as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s £13.5m bus interchange project.

Independent businesses, large retailers and charity stores on Frodsham Street recently met with CH1ChesterBID – the city’s Business Improvement District – to share their thoughts on the work so far and many also took the opportunity to call on customers to continue supporting them despite the ongoing road works.

“We’re very positive about the redevelopment of this street but it’s vital that people continue to visit our store whilst the building work is ongoing,” said Jason Rigby, Director at Rigby Jewellers on Frodsham Street.

“From the plans we’ve seen, Frodsham Street will look fantastic once all the work has been completed and we’re excited to be part of that. But the sight of major road works like these can put people off shopping. It’s important that we do everything we can to remind people that we’re still here and open for business throughout the week.”

Ray Fisher, owner of Camera Solutions on Frodsham Street, added: “We very much see this as a short term disruption that will be beneficial to us in the long term. Of course the building work is a bit of an inconvenience but we’re just trying to look at the bigger picture and we’re confident the redevelopment will give Frodsham Street a new lease of life once it’s completed.”

The redevelopment of Frodsham Street will create a pedestrian-friendly city gateway, which will include three bus stops in Love Street and wider pavement outside Argos in Foregate Street to provide more space for bus passengers. Building work is due to be completed before the end of 2016.

Carl Critchlow, BID Manager at CH1ChesterBID, said: “Businesses on Frodsham Street are overwhelmingly supportive of the new plans and, like us, believe it will provide an even better welcome to the city and help enhance the overall visitor experience.

“It’s important that they’re kept up to date with the progress of the redevelopment and that’s why we’re having regular check-ins with our members in that area to listen to any concerns they may have and liaise with the council to answer any questions. Ultimately, they need customers to continue shopping with them over the next few months and by working alongside them, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that happens.”